I knew the crash wasn't really near where you live, Amos, though I didn't realize Miramar was that close.   Still, it's horrible for all those in the neighborhood where the plane crashed, in addition to those killed and their loved ones.
Could the pilot have diverted the plane into a different crash path had he not bailed out? Probably not, but to sacrifice himself on that chance would be more than most humans could probably have done. You're right that he will be haunted by this, but I hope he does not assume unwarranted blame over it.